Joslin Weight Loss Program Comes to the Y

Monday, April 09, 2012

Joslin Diabetes Center is partnering with the Y of Greater Boston to offer Joslin’s first community-based weight loss program for people with type 2 diabetes at their Waltham location. The 12-week program, starting on April 24, focuses on weight loss within the frame work of improving diabetes control and is modeled after the successes of the clinic-based Why WAIT program.

“We are delivering Joslin’s best-in-class content and expertise in diabetes and weight loss in the community,” said Paul Penta, the Joslin Everywhere Program Manager and program manager for the Y Weight Loss Program.

More than simply a diet and exercise program, the Y Weight Loss Program places heavy emphasis on the importance of group support. “It is diet and exercise, but certainly the most important component is the support mechanism around the participant that comes from the engagement of other peers that are sharing their issues and sharing their struggles.”

Once a week, participants meet for two hours at the Waltham Y to learn about healthy eating, meal planning, and fitting exercise into daily routines. Joslin-trained YMCA fitness experts and dieticians will lead the sessions along lesson and exercise plans laid out by Joslin educators.

Patients should go into the program with realistic weight loss goals, aiming to lose between 5 to 7 percent of their initial body weight by the end of the 12-week program (which in many cases is enough to start seeing improvement in glucose control).

Joslin is known for its educational services, and the team behind the Y Weight Loss Program is excited to start bringing that expertise to the community. “As the worldwide leader in diabetes care, education, and research we need to partner with our community members, such as primary care physicians, and community-based health centers like the YMCA to deliver the services that 26 million people with diabetes in this country need,” said Penta.

Registration is still open for the sessions beginning in April. Eligible participants should have type 2 diabetes, not be taking insulin, be able to attend 12 weekly sessions at the Y, which include exercise (with the group and on your own),be willing to follow a meal plan (which includes meal replacement shakes), and be able to purchase Boost Glucose Control Shakes for the first six weeks of the program (which will total about $145).

Participants must also work closely with their primary care physician during the program. Physicians must clear their patients for exercise before the start of the program, schedule an appointment at the mid-point of the program, verify an eye exam within the last year, and provide HbA1C results no older than 3 months.

If you are interested in learning more, contact Jenn Ausiello at 781-894-5295, ext 103.